IOM Expands Support to Contain Mpox Threat in West and Central Africa
September 9, 2025
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is stepping up its role in the Mpox response across West and Central Africa, focusing on vulnerable border regions where mobility, porous boundaries, and weak health systems heighten risk. By reinforcing surveillance, training border responders, and deploying community agents, IOM ensures mobile populations are not excluded from care. Strategic mapping in Sierra Leone, screenings in Guinea, and volunteer training in Togo exemplify how targeted interventions protect both travelers and host communities. Yet with only 10 percent of its funding appeal met, urgent donor support is needed to sustain these critical, mobility-sensitive health systems.
As Mpox continues to circulate across Africa, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has intensified its efforts to strengthen border health systems and protect mobile populations in West and Central Africa. Border regions remain highly vulnerable due to porous boundaries, significant cross-border movement, and limited healthcare infrastructure, conditions that accelerate the spread of infectious diseases. IOM’s interventions aim to close these gaps by combining technical expertise, surge teams, and logistical support with strong partnerships with governments and international agencies.
In Guinea, over 166,000 travelers have already undergone screenings and vaccinations at 12 points of entry, conducted by 60 community agents. In Sierra Leone, mobility mapping in Port Loko, Kambia, and Western Urban Area has improved targeting of prevention and outreach efforts. Togo has reinforced referral systems and trained 50 community volunteers active at 15 entry points. In Ghana, IOM, WHO, and partners convened a two-day engagement on the Health, Border, and Mobility Management Framework, aligning strategies to safeguard public health while supporting safe mobility. These actions exemplify a unified approach to health and mobility management that is critical in regions where disease outbreaks intersect with population movement.
IOM emphasizes that health is a universal right, extending to people on the move. By equipping border responders with tools and training, and ensuring access for mobile communities, IOM is safeguarding both individual rights and public health. However, challenges remain. Mpox is no longer classified as a global public health emergency, but border areas remain at high risk. Despite an urgent funding appeal of USD 46 million, only 10 percent has been met. Without additional donor support, essential interventions may falter, leaving vulnerable populations exposed and health systems overstretched. Sustained investment is vital to preserve recent gains and prepare for future outbreaks.